Emaar Properties said on Saturday that construction work has started on a new mosque in its Downtown Dubai development.

The Sheikh Zayed Bin Mansour Al Nahyan Mosque, a tribute to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, will be built on an area of 40,000 sq ft.

The mosque is set to become a cultural landmark for the city, Emaar said in a statement.

It will feature prayer halls for men and women, and a Holy Quran study room.

Located behind Qamardeen Hotel, the mosque will be able to accommodate approximately 800 people, including a dedicated prayer hall for more than 85 women, along with designated parking spaces.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director, Emaar Properties, said: "The mosque will be designed to reflect the rich traditional architectural heritage while serving as a haven of peace and serenity and is set to become a modern day cultural landmark for Dubai."

He said the mosque will serve the thriving residential community in Downtown Dubai, as well as visitors from all over the region who visit the area anchored by Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.

Downtown Dubai will also host the Dubai Modern Art Museum & Opera House District, which is billed to become the cultural referral point for the city.